ORLANDO, Fla. — Counseling pediatric patients about spinal orthosis use contributed to improved patient outcomes, according to research presented during the Thranhardt Lecture Series at the O&P World Congress, here.

“Counseling works to improve brace wear, and bracing works,” Kevin Felton, CO, LO, said.

The study included 125 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a curve magnitude of 25 to 45° and a Risser score of 0, 1 or 2 who had completed treatment. Each participant wore an orthosis with a temperature data logger that tracked wear time, and they were divided into two groups. The first group received counseling about orthosis use during each visit and results from the data logger were discussed. The second group received no counseling on orthotic use and did not receive data.

 

Kevin Felton

The researchers found patients who received counseling wore their orthosis for an average of 13.6 hours per day, but the patients who did not receive counseling only wore their orthosis for an average of 10.4 hours per day. Felton noted that patients who wore their orthoses the most had the lowest risk for surgery.

 “There is a dose-dependent relationship that the more the brace is worn then the better the outcomes. So I think we should be counseling all of our patients throughout treatment to improve the amount of wear and their outcomes,” he said.

The study is still ongoing, and Felton and his colleagues at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children continue to monitor patients using the temperate data logger, as well as work on developing a clinical tool for other practitioners to use.

For more information:

Felton K. Effect of compliance counseling on brace use and success in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Presented at: O&P World Congress. Sept. 18-21, 2013. Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: Felton has no relevant disclosures.